THE Hawthorne club have committed $50,000 over three years to the development of women’s rugby in the Hunter region. Each club in the women’s competition next year will receive $1000 at the start of the season and another $1000 at the completion. The premiers will receive a minimum $1000. The Hawthorne Club will also contribute $5,000 each year towards the representative programs. Grants of up to $5000 will be available for female coaches and rep players. “The Hawthorne Club’s charter is to help grow the game and provide pathways for players,” chairman Mark Queenan said in announcing the initiative at the Hawthorne Club grand final luncheon on Friday. “The region has produced some outstanding women players. There are more women and girls who will play but they want good coaching, a strong competition and to be active members in the club, not an after thought. Hopefully the women’s competition grows and becomes a a part of the club championship.” Friday’s initiative follows the Hawthorne Club’s involvement in hosting a match between the Fijian and Hunter women’s teams and continued support of the premier men’s competition and representative programs and juniors. More than $12,500 will be distributed to the winners of the Hawthorne Cup, Hawthorne Challenge and premiers at the grand finals on Saturday.

Newcastle rugby: Hawthorne Club commit $50,000 to women's rugby in the Hunter

ON THE BURST: Waratahs breakaway Annika Jamieson powers through the defence in the 69-5 win over Wanderers in the grand final. Picture: Marina Neil

THE Hawthorne club have committed $50,000 over three years to the development of women’s rugby in the Hunter region.

Each club in the women’s competition next year will receive $1000 at the start of the season and another $1000 at the completion. The premiers will receive a minimum $1000.

The Hawthorne Club will also contribute $5,000 each year towards the representative programs. Grants of up to $5000 will be available for female coaches and rep players.

“The Hawthorne Club’s charter is to help grow the game and provide pathways for players,” chairman Mark Queenan said in announcing the initiative at the Hawthorne Club grand final luncheon on Friday. “The region has produced some outstanding women players. There are more women and girls who will play but they want good coaching, a strong competition and to be active members in the club, not an after thought. Hopefully the women’s competition grows and becomes a a part of the club championship.”

Friday’s initiative follows the Hawthorne Club’s involvement in hosting a match between the Fijian and Hunter women’s teams and continued support of the premier men’s competition and representative programs and juniors.

More than $12,500 will be distributed to the winners of the Hawthorne Cup, Hawthorne Challenge and premiers at the grand finals on Saturday.